Alan Ritchson is heading back Down Under — and this time, it’s for a high-stakes military story rooted in real-life heroism. The Reacher star has returned to Queensland, Australia, to begin filming an untitled Navy SEAL feature backed by Amazon MGM Studios, with Sylvester Stallone attached as producer.
The film, centered on the extraordinary survival story of Medal of Honor recipient Mike Thornton, officially enters production this month at Village Roadshow Studios on the Gold Coast.
A Familiar Territory for Alan Ritchson
This project marks a return to Queensland for Alan Ritchson, who filmed his 2025 action thriller Runner across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. With its mix of studio infrastructure, coastal locations, and experienced action crews, the region has quickly become a preferred base for large-scale productions — and Ritchson is clearly comfortable working there.
In the new film, Ritchson steps into a physically demanding role inspired by real events, portraying the grit and endurance of a Navy SEAL whose actions in the South China Sea earned him the United States’ highest military honor.
A Real-Life Hero at the Center
The film chronicles the story of Mike Thornton, whose remarkable survival and bravery during a covert mission led to his Congressional Medal of Honor. Thornton is also attached to the project as an executive producer, ensuring authenticity remains central to the storytelling.
The cast includes Joe Cole and Hoa Xuande, adding further depth to the ensemble.
Direction duties are handled by Patrick Hughes, known for staging large-scale action sequences and globe-trotting productions.
Sylvester Stallone Produces Through Balboa Productions
The project is being produced by Sylvester Stallone alongside D. Matt Geller under Balboa Productions. Additional producers include Todd Lieberman and Alex Young, with Ritchson also producing through his AllyCat Entertainment banner.
The screenplay has been written by Mark Semos, Alan Ritchson himself, and Jason Hall — a trio with deep experience in military and character-driven storytelling.
Queensland’s Growing Hollywood Footprint
The production is expected to generate around 260 local jobs and inject an estimated AUD 50 million into the Queensland economy. Australian federal and state incentives played a key role in securing the project, with Screen Queensland and the City of Gold Coast providing production support.
Officials highlighted Queensland’s reputation for handling technically complex, water-based, and military productions — a key factor for a story that involves ocean survival and combat realism.
For Amazon MGM Studios, the Mike Thornton film adds to an expanding Queensland slate that already includes titles like The Bluff, Voltron, and Subversion.
Why This Film Matters
Beyond its scale, the film reflects Hollywood’s continued appetite for grounded military stories — ones that prioritize human endurance over spectacle. For Ritchson, it’s another step in solidifying his action-hero credentials, while for Queensland, it’s further proof that the region has become a global production hub.
Final Words
With Alan Ritchson leading the charge, Sylvester Stallone producing, and a real-life hero’s story at its core, this Navy SEAL project is shaping up to be a major addition to Amazon MGM Studios’ action slate. Cameras are rolling, the Gold Coast is buzzing, and Queensland’s Hollywood streak shows no signs of slowing down.
